Southern California -- this just in

Los Angeles County Chief Deputy Dist. Atty. Jackie Lacey released a video and statement Monday saying she will run for election next year in hope of succeeding her boss, Dist. Atty. Steve Cooley, who is retiring.

Lacey, who is backed by Cooley, had previously set up an exploratory committee to consider a run but said on the video that she was formally announcing her candidacy.

She faces a crowded field of county prosecutors vying for the post, including Bobby Grace, Steve Ipsen, Alan Jackson, Danette Meyers and Mario Trujillo.